Caldwell Says Lions Unsure How Long Fairley Will Be Out
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell addressed Tuesday morning the reports that defensive tackle Nick Fairley will miss a month after suffering a sprain of the MCL and PCL in Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
While not explicitly deeming the reports inaccurate, Caldwell said the Lions do not know yet how long Fairley will be unavailable.
"Until we get everything looked at and make a determination, we very rarely put a timetable on it," Caldwell said in his weekly press conference. "I know there was a report out that stated four to five weeks, [but] it never came from our office because of the fact that we have not come to that conclusion as of yet. When we do, we'll certainly release it."
On Monday night, Caldwell told Jamie and Wojo of 97.1 The Ticket that the team is seeking a second opinion on Fairley but that the amount of time Fairley will miss is still unknown.
"He's not going to be back quickly," Caldwell said. "That's one of the things that we certainly know, but how long it's going to be, we're not quite certain."
Caldwell said Tuesday he has not been told Fairley will miss the rest of the season, but he did not rule out that possibility.
"Not certain how that will work," Caldwell said. "They haven't told me that he wouldn't be at this point in time."
Following Fairley's injury, Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis and a trainer had to help Fairley off the field, and the team used a cart to take Fairley to the locker room.
This is a contract year for Fairley since the Lions declined to pick up his fifth-year option. He was demoted to the second string briefly in the preseason, but he has played well since then.
